Saturday 16 April 2011

Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps

(Found this well on Lancelot Clark Storth, this morning - please click over to enlarge)

0645hrs: A new Blackcap had arrived and the bird was singing at the bottom of Mowbray Drive/Thornleigh, Burton In Kendal.


0940hrs - 1110hrs - Slape Lane (Leading to Burton Fell), Burton In Kendal. Had 2 singing Willow Warblers whilst going along Slape. A Nuthatch calling from the wooded area near to "game crop", the bird was giving its slapping call which was something like "chiffchiff" "chiffchiff", a call associated at anytime of the year. Also another Blackcap to record near crossroad fences (near gamecrop). Checked out the Nuthatches breeding hole and both birds were present, one of the birds which I gathered to be on the lookout, gave off great vocal commotion when the other bird was just about to enter her nest hole and quickly diverted. I think it was a warning of perhaps my closeby presence. Later at this same site again I witnessed a Great Tit coming out of the hole, so wondering whether both species are for now sharing the same site. Whilst sat at the Curwen seat on Slape, a new Blackcap was closeby and singing from Lancelot Clark Storth.


1115hrs - 1140hrs Burton Fell. 2 singing Chiffchaffs - so where were the other 3 (had they moved on or where they being quiet?, 7 Willow Warblers singing at the bottom of the Fell, Also Bullfinch, and singing Goldcrest, One Green Woodpecker yaffling..


1140hrs-1248hrs in Lancelot Clark Storth Woodlands which go through to the back of Dalton Hamlet and then back to the Curwen Seat on Slape. First investigated a water well area which I had not seen before. Had 11 singing Willow Warblers throughout Lancelot, 4 Chiffchaffs (probably moved over from Burton!!), 3 new Blackcaps at various points. Also a Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming and primroses here and there. Nuthatch alarm trilling, just like the Whimbrel call. Also two male Bullfinches showing.